U.S. Solar Energy Industry: A Community Divided on the China-U.S. Solar Trade Dispute

On October 19, a coalition of nine U.S.-based solar manufacturers announced a trade action with the Department of Commerce, claiming that China was dumping solar panels on the U.S. market. The Department of Commerce opened the case for hearings on November 8. China has already announced that setting tariffs on Chinese solar PV cells would have consequences on American exports to China, and some American solar companies fear the effect of a tariff on the American solar market. Other solar companies say China's investment has benefited U.S. customers because of the 30% drop in solar panel prices. They have created a rival Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy. This solar trade fight could be a "circular firing-squad in which everyone gets hurt."